.Barry Big Step Closer To Anfield
Aston Villa have effectively conceded defeat in their bid to hold on to their skipper Gareth Barry by meeting Liverpool's latest offer with a counter-proposal.
Up until this point, the Birmingham side have stubbornly turned down Liverpool's advances with straight 'no' answers and grudging admissions that they will consider another, but the last few weeks has seen a marked softening in Villa's stance and now they have finally agreed to enter negotiations proper.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who was adamant at first that Barry would not be sold under any circumstances, told the Birmingham Mail: "Liverpool have come back to us and we have responded to their proposal with a letter."
"We're still waiting to hear back from Liverpool after putting that proposal to them.
"It's really up to Liverpool. I really don't know how it's going to work out at the moment.
"I'm sure there will be some sort of resolution at some stage or another."
The latest speculation suggests that the proposed inclusion of Steve Finnan still promises to be a key component in the deal, with the Claret-and-Blues reportedly set on receiving an overall value of £17 million, while Liverpool are trying their best to keep that number closer to the £15m mark.
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
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